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Darwin pubs behind new support service in NT for people who have attempted suicide

Mon 2 Jun 2014, 3:27 PM AEST

A suicide prevention program developed in the Northern Territory and funded by Darwin pubs is being launched today.

The program, called the Wayback Support Service, will link up hospital, GP and mental health services to provide intensive support to anyone in the Top End who attempts suicide.

It is a service sorely needed in the NT, which has the highest suicide rate in Australia with 18.1 suicides per 100,000, compared to the national average of 10.8 per 100,000.

Men account for 85 per cent of suicides in the Northern Territory, compared to 75 per cent nationally.

Speaking at the launch at the inaugural Suicide Prevention and Wellbeing conference in Darwin, beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett said the idea was sparked at a Christmas party hosted by the Australian Hotels Association in the Northern Territory.

"If this proves to be successful - and it will be independently evaluated - it will be rolled out throughout Australia, so this is a Northern Territory initiative actually started by hotels," he said.

About 100 people are admitted to the Royal Darwin Hospital each year following a suicide attempt, and the hospital estimates between six and 10 people present to their Emergency Department voicing suicidal thoughts each day.

"If someone has attempted suicide, we know there is a big risk factor for another suicide attempt and the first three months are critical in their recovery," Mr Kennett said.

"More than half of people who have tried to kill themselves leave hospital and don’t get any support or follow-up treatment and, disturbingly, between 15 and 25 per cent will attempt suicide again.